Plaisance National Park

Plaisance National Park spans just over 28 square kilometres directly along the banks of the Ottawa River, a mere 15 minutes from the historic village of Montebello. Its relatively recent addition to Quebec's network of national parks makes it an undiscovered gem for many visitors, which paradoxically adds to its charm: guests find a tranquility that more heavily trafficked parks struggle to offer. The diversity of protected natural environments—marshes, ponds, and deciduous forests—gives the park particularly rich biodiversity, with the signature Wildrice Marsh trail providing an immersive experience by cutting directly through the wetland zones characteristic of the territory. Split between the Plaisance sector and Thurso to the west, the park features nearly 40 kilometres of combined hiking and cycling trails, enough to keep you exploring for several days. The park's geographical location, right in the heart of the corridor formed by the Ottawa River between Montreal and the National Capital Region, makes it an ideal complement to a visit to the heritage village of Montebello and its famous château, with both destinations just a short drive apart.